The response of serum lipids and lipoproteins to high intensity endurance training

The response of serum lipids and lipoproteins to high intensity endurance training was studied in 12 males. Nine additional subjects were assigned to a control group. The mean age of participants was 25.0 years. Members of the exercise group trained on a bicycle ergometer at a power output equivalent to 80% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), 4 times per week for 30 minutes, for 9 weeks. Nine weeks of detraining followed. Fasting blood samples and maximum bicycle tests were administered prior to the program, and at 3 week intervals, for determination of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, (VLDL + LDL) cholesterol, the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol, and VO2max. Per cent body fat, caloric intake, and the composition of the diet were also assessed during the training and detraining periods. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between or within groups for the lipid variables, per cent body fat, or diet parameters. A significant group X time interaction occurred in VO2max (p less than 0.05) indicating a cardiovascular training effect. These data suggest that 9 weeks of high intensity endurance training may not alter lipid or lipoprotein metabolism.